In a Confusing Situation, Currently Enlisted in the USAR, but Hoping to get an ROTC Scholarship.

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Deovolente

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Oct 23, 2019
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So I am enlisted (17 years old, still in high school). I am scheduled to go to BCT in January and AIT in March (2022). I will graduate in December of 2021, one semester early.

I know for a fact that someone who is enlisted cannot have an ROTC scholarship simultaneously. Please note that I am not referring to SMP (Simultaneous Membership Program) where I would be in the USAR and ROTC (non-scholarship) at the same time.

I was wondering what would happen if I applied to an ROTC scholarship and (hopefully) got accepted. I have heard that I would be released from my contract? Would that mean that I get a discharge, or would I not because I am moving from one contract to the next? If I got a discharge, would it be negative, or just something like a general discharge under honorable conditions?

Would I still go to BCT and AIT? Or would decisions come out earlier and I would be released before January? I actually am looking forward to Basic and AIT, even though it is incredibly challenging.

Right now, I just don't know what the possible outcomes are. If anyone knows what the different possibilities are, that would be much appreciated. I do not have my heart dead-set on an ROTC scholarship, and I would be fine with being an SMP cadet, but I figured I would go for the scholarship if I can.

Thanks.
 
It appears you are obligated as enlisted if you already signed a contract. Usually AROTC like to recruit soldiers that have that experience.
  • You would sign another ROTC contract post BCT & AIT and then get paid as an E5 at monthly drill.
  • You would not have to attend basic camp, but would have to attend Advanced Camp.
  • In the reserves you would shadow a LT to understand what a Jr. Officers duty are.
  • If you perform well in ROTC, you can elect to go active duty after a branch assignment.
  • If you are an average performer, you will be branch detailed where the Army needs you with a 6 - 8 year Reserve obligation. The options are here: https://www.cadetcommand.army.mil/usar.aspx
 
Ready42025 said:
It appears you are obligated as enlisted if you already signed a contract. Usually AROTC like to recruit soldiers that have that experience.
  • You would sign another ROTC contract post BCT & AIT and then get paid as an E5 at monthly drill.
  • You would not have to attend basic camp, but would have to attend Advanced Camp.
  • In the reserves you would shadow a LT to understand what a Jr. Officers duty are.
  • If you perform well in ROTC, you can elect to go active duty after a branch assignment.
  • If you are an average performer, you will be branch detailed where the Army needs you with a 6 - 8 year Reserve obligation. The options are here: https://www.cadetcommand.army.mil/usar.aspx
Click to expand...
Some nuances of this.
You have to be a MS2 (sophomore) to contract as a SMP non-scholarship after basic/ait.

cadet command won’t let you apply for the national scholarship as you are currently enlisted in the reserves.

your PMS and unit have to support you being released from your enlisted contract to pursue active duty probably your ms2/3 year.

you signed a contract with the reserves. You now have to deal with the consequences of that decision and some of the consequences are you can’t do what you want to. You are going to basic and ait.
 
Montana State Army ROTC said:
Some nuances of this.
You have to be a MS2 (sophomore) to contract as a SMP non-scholarship after basic/ait.

cadet command won’t let you apply for the national scholarship as you are currently enlisted in the reserves.

your PMS and unit have to support you being released from your enlisted contract to pursue active duty probably your ms2/3 year.

you signed a contract with the reserves. You now have to deal with the consequences of that decision and some of the consequences are you can’t do what you want to. You are going to basic and ait.
Click to expand...
Alright, I understand that I signed my contract, and I was always aware of this possibility. I’m happy as long as I can commission. I’ve just heard different things about this situation, so I was just curious. Thanks for the response.
 
The best thing to do is to talk to your S1. I found this Army Regulation. Read paragraph 5-4b...0B65C02E-81B9-4FE0-9F13-8D5FFCE15C4D.jpeg823F32CF-D4F3-4811-BA91-FD553CB06B49.jpeg
 
Plan of attack: report to your USAR unit. Get settled down. Talk to your chain of command / S1 Personnel Officer (bring the regulation).
 
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